Bancroft’s School had an early start to House Drama this year! With only a few weeks to prepare, the students hit the floor running. Essentially, there are four houses and three U6th (year 13) are chosen to direct a production (minimal help from is staff allowed). Within the house, roles are cast and the set is made. After a plenitude of rehearsals, the students finally get to perform.
Each play is performed twice; the plays are seen by the while school first. After the initial performances, feedback and criticism is given by the two internal judges (typically two drama teachers); almost a week after, each production is performed again to families et cetera, and an external judge is invited to the final round where the infamous “Best Production” award is allocated. This year, the four productions were: “The Adventures of Sir Neal” (North House), “Speed Dating” (School House), Black Adder’s “A Christmas Carol” and “The Audience” (West House).
North House kept the audience in a fit of laughter with their original production, as Sir Neal the knight stubbled his way through a valiant quest for the Princess- only to be saved in every situation by his trusty companion Ingrid, and ‘together’ they defeated the “Guardian of the Sorrowful Bridge”, the “road-man fairies” and the so-called “Prince of Darkness”. The directors were able to incorporate live music that adapted to each scene, and create vivid images through the use of various costumes and backdrops. School House re-found love in “Speed Dating” as the two protagonists suffered through various hopeless attempts at love. The audience saw “the one who came for free food”, “the one who moves too fast”, and a 9 year-old who turned up in a dragon costume and just wanted a girlfriend to show his friends. However, the hearts of the audience were warmed when the protagonists finally found each other.
Black Adder’s “A Christmas Carol” (performed by East House) caught its chuckles from the audience. The cast were able to mould colourful and memorable characters (both solo roles and those in the ensemble). The audience saw Mr Dickens’ beloved novel unwind in retrograde. It was performed well and the cast understood the essence of their characters. Lastly, West House’s production ultimately showed the parents in the audience what their children really did in school. An English class is made to watch “Great Expectations” and we saw different characters react to the story as well as their attitudes towards the subject.
The finals were judged by the comedienne Candy Gigi. It was a colourful night that was full of energy and life. House spirit, good sportsmanship and camaraderie shone through everyone that night. “Everyone worked so hard and there was such a difference between the two performances. I honestly don’t know who will win!”- Malini Sachdeva-Masson (performer). In the end, School House won Best Production with “Speed Dating”.
Mathushana Kathirgamasutharsan, Bancroft's School.
